Goss concedes defeat at world road championships

Matt Goss admitted he was beaten fair and square after being left to pick up the silver medal by triumphant HTC-Highroad teammate Mark Cavendish at the world road race championships. The Australian warned, however, that he will aim to make amends in at least another 10 years of trying to win cycling's coveted rainbow-striped jersey. "I've got another 10 or 12 world championships to come hopefully, so I'm going to have more opportunities," said Goss after claiming his maiden world championships' podium place. Two years after Cadel Evans made history for Australia in Mendrisio, Switzerland, Goss came into the race with "less than ideal" preparation after he was forced out the Tour of Spain early with a stomach virus. In a bid to gain the kind of intensity required, the Tasmanian pulled out all the stops in recent weeks by racing when he could and motor-pacing behind a motorbike. On the day, Goss's Australia were given perfect conditions on a mainly flat 14 km circuit that was not conducive to long, daring attacks. Britain and Germany were also among the teams keen on controlling the race to ensure a bunch sprint, and Australia were happy to comply with the plan. Having saved energy by sending Simon Clarke up as their representative in an early break, the Aussies pulled to the front when it mattered most, in the final kilometre as the home straight leading to the uphill finish came into sight. In the end, Goss was upstaged when Cavendish found space on the right hand side and unleashed a kick in the final 200 metres that went unrivalled. "When he went, I kind of jumped on the wheel. I knew it was still a long way to the finish line and I had in the back of my mind I could get back if everything went well," added Goss. "I started to move, but in the the end I ran out of metres." Given the course profile, Cavendish was a major favourite and the only concern was whether the Manxman could unleash his formidable sprint on the slightly uphill finish. Cavendish, however, was quick to put things into perspective. "I was down as the favourite today... some uneducated people thought it would be too hard for me. But (the finish) is not a hill, it's a 300 metre sprint." While admitting he doesn't like playing "the bridesmaid", Goss admitted he was beaten fair and square. "I would much rather be wearing that jersey there," added the Australian. "You can't dwell, his (British) team rode really strongly and you can't take that away from them. "I knew I'd trained and prepared well. I did everything I could have done before I came here. "I realised I was having quite a good day after about 170 km and after asking the guys to support me they did everything for me. "I hoped to have four or five guys for the finish and we had the whole team there practically. Hats off to those guys. They rode absolutely awesome." Having started 2011 with a second place overall finish at the Tour Down Under, Goss has raced well this season -- including a career-topping victory in the Milan-SanRemo Italian classic. Stage wins at Paris-Nice, the Tour of California and the Tour of Oman have ensued. And next year fans are likely to see the Australian in a new light. HTC-Highroad will fold at the end of the season, meaning Goss is likely to become one of Cavendish's biggest rivals. Cavendish is expected to sign for British outfit Team Sky, while Goss has put pen to paper on a deal to join GreenEdge, the all-Australian team which is aiming for a ProTour licence in 2012. "I'm pretty happy with how the season's gone, it's been amazing for me and given me a lot of confidence for next year," added Goss.